Engie Storage has installed battery storage systems for the Downey Unified School District in California.
The 3.5MW solution will be operated by Engie’s GridSynergy software at seven school sites with the aim of cutting electricity bills by reducing demand charges.
The GridSynergy cloud-based software uses historical and real-time data to calculate optimal charge and discharge cycles for the lithium-ion batteries.
Demand charges are assessed based on spikes in electricity usage caused by such things as air conditioning and stadium lighting, and can account for approximately 50% of non-residential utility bill costs for consumers in California.
Downey Unified is expected to save more than $5.7m over the lifetime of the system, which was funded through the use of Proposition 39 dollars.
Downey Unified superintendent John Garcia said: “Our Board of Education is always looking for creative ways to save money and energy storage will provide our district with utility cost savings.
“Installing energy storage will not only reduce our energy bills significantly this year, it will assist for years to come.”
Engie Storage chief executive Christopher Tilley said: “Engie Storage has energy storage systems installed at 80 schools in California.
“Downey Unified’s installation will not only save the district millions of dollars, but it will help enhance the reliability of California’s electric grid by reducing the strain on overloaded utility distribution networks.”